William Shakespeare

             William Shakespeare is undoubtedly one of the greatest, if not the greatest, writer in English literature. From historians to middle school students to contemporary authors, just about anyone can tell of his contributions in the literary world. Similarly, Oscar Wilde has done much the same in the field of plays and novels. Although not as much of a household name as Shakespeare, there is a good chance that readers have heard at least a quote or two from Wilde. Having existed hundreds of years apart and growing up in different backgrounds has given each of these men their own unique characteristics. However, at a closer glance, they are not quite a different as one would like to believe. After studying works by both of these phenomenal men, there is more than meets the eye to this unlikely pair.
             Shakespeare was born to middle class parents. His father, John, was a Stratford businessman and a glove maker who owned a leather shop. John Shakespeare was a well-known and respected man in the town, holding several important local governmental positions. John Shakespeare married Mary in 1557. Though she was the daughter of a local farmer, she was related to a family of considerable wealth and social standing. One of eight children, William Shakespeare was born in Stratford in 1564. The Shakespeare's were well respected prominent people. When William was about seven years old, he began attending the Stratford Grammar School, where students were in class year round for nine hours a day. Though Shakespeare spent long hours at school, his boyhood was probably fascinating. Stratford was a lively town and during holidays, it was known to put on pageants and many popular shows (allshakespeare.com). It also held several large fairs during the year. Stratford also had fields and woods surrounding it giving William the opportunity to hunt and trap small game. The River Avon, which ran through the town, allowed him to fish also. Shakespeare's poems a...

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William Shakespeare. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 11:55, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/73189.html